Introduction Tetanus is a severe, acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Its spores are widely distributed in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, animal and human feces, and on various surfaces including skin, nails, needles, and barbed wire. These spores are highly resistant to heat and commonContinue Reading
Reduced appetite during infection is known as sickness associated anorexia (SAA), and it is one of several sick behaviors that have evolved to be shared by all living things, from insects to humans. The question of whether such calorie restriction aids or hinders recovery is still up for dispute amongContinue Reading
By Sanaa Uddin and Meagan Thomas. Introduction Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in children, adults, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. In 2016, it was reclassified from the Paramyxovirdae family to the Pneumoviridae family. This virus is comprised of genetic groups A and B that areContinue Reading
Introduction Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that causes nosocomial infections and is regarded as a major global health concern. With the exception of Antarctica, it has been isolated in 35 nations since its first discovery in 2009 as a unique species of Candida. High death rates are linked toContinue Reading
by Michael E. Gyasi; Ogugua N. Okonkwo; Koushik Tripathy Introduction Onchocerciasis, also known as the African river blindness, is the second most important cause of infectious blindness worldwide after trachoma. It is caused by the filarial nematode, Onchocerca volvulus, and transmitted by repeated bites of the vector, female black flyContinue Reading
Rabbit myxoma virus, a member of the genus Leporipoxvirus, has been widely used in Australia to control populations of the European rabbit, which was introduced with disastrous results into Australia by European settlers. The history of the virus in Australia represents a fascinating story of viral evolution in the fieldContinue Reading
The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is the source of the acute secretory diarrheal disease known as cholera. The facultative, gram-negative, comma-shaped, oxidase-positive rod Vibrio cholerae is common in underdeveloped nations. Two serotypes have been found to be the cause of epidemics: O139, which mostly causes intermittent outbreaks in Asia, and O1,Continue Reading
The best practice for expanding laboratory capacity in environments with limited resources is to choose methods that are feasible and long-lasting. For many years, molecular diagnostics were seen as “inappropriate” despite their usefulness and accuracy. This was because they were thought to be too precise, costly, prone to contamination, andContinue Reading
An important aspect of infection prevention and control (IPC) is the identifying and breaking the chain of transmission. To do this, we need a good understanding of the interaction of agent, host, and environment in aiding transmission of diseases, and also acting as reservoirs. Continue Reading